Did God Bring the Desolations?--Jan. 8, 2015

We behold the desolations

that have been brought on the earth,

and we wonder, could you have brought them

because you were so displeased that

there was no justice?

Some are suffering as if

they are living where Satan's throne is.

Children, many children at the point of death--

surely you were not testing whether

they need signs and wonders

in order to believe.

Lord, I prefer to think

you suffer when they suffer,

that your tears mingle with the tears

of shrapneled babies and

of grieving parents.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 46; 147:12-20; 27; 93

Isa. 59:15b-21

Rev. 2:8-17

John 4:46-54

Selected Verses

Ps. 46:8

Come, behold the works of the LORD;
          see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 

Isa. 59:15b

The LORD saw it, and it displeased him
          that there was no justice. 

Rev. 2:13a

“I know where you are living, where Satan’s throne is.  …"  [Words for the angel of the church in Pergamum]

John 4:48

Then Jesus said to [the royal official whose son was at the point of death], “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”